New firm will put ‘Trouser Town’ back on the map

Hebden Bridge was once known as Trouser Town and a new company is hoping to put the town back on the map for what it was once so famous for.

New start up HebTroCo will continue the centuries old tradition as it reinvigorates the manufacturing of trousers in Hebden Bridge.

The first model ‘The Founder’ is a limited run moleskin jean with just 176 pairs of trousers - a week’s production in HebTroCo’s factory.

They’re available as part of a Kickstarter crowd-funding project. Fighting against the rise of disposable fashion, The Founder is guaranteed for life. Each pair is individually signed and numbered.

Launching exactly one month after the town was devastated by the Boxing Day floods, founders say HebTroCo is part of the rebirth of Hebden Bridge’s economy.

Ex Oxley, from the company, said: “Using the skills of the workforce and made in a factory whose owners have passed down trouser manufacturing experience over generations, HebTroCo trousers offer craftsmanship and detail that’s unrivalled.

“Everyone deserves at least one good pair of trousers. These are so good that we’re offering a lifetime guarantee. There are no gimmicks, we’re not reinventing trousers because they’re already brilliant. We just want to see top quality trousers that are made in Britain.”

The full retail price will be £125 but as part of the Kickstarter campaign the first 176 pairs are currently £95.

They will be available from www.hebtro.co from January 26.

And in another nod to the town’s rich industrial heritage, the theme of this year’s Hebden Bridge Arts Festival will be ‘Trouser Town’.